literature

Geek literature from the New York Times or the recesses of online. Our favorite stories showcase geeks.

Swann’s Way by Marcel Proust
Marcel Proust faced rejection from multiple publishers, including André Gide at the prestigious publishing house Gallimard. Determined to see his work in print, Proust financed the publication of "Swann's Way" himself through Grasset, a less renowned publisher, in November 1913. Despite its initial modest print run and mixed reviews, "Swann's Way" gradually gained critical acclaim. Influential figures such as literary critic Jean Cocteau and novelist Léon Daudet praised the book, helping it gain a wider readership and critical recognition.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "K." by Roberto Calasso
I have been rather busy and so, that is why some of you may have seen my commenting on posts has dropped. I've recently started my new job and I always get home tired. On top of this, I have not really been going out anywhere and so, I've been stuck in my apartment the vast majority of the time I am not at work. It has been an interesting, if rather depressing, time for me. Let's just say I am still trying to find my feet in an entirely new place - a city which is very, very different to Birmingham.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
The Tiger Who Came to Tea – West End Live in Bangkok: A Charming and Well-Crafted Delight for All Ages
I had the pleasure of attending The Tiger Who Came to Tea on its September 18 opening night at Bangkok's M-Theatre thanks to one of their many contests. The experience was made even more special knowing that the cast came straight from the West End, bringing their talent and energy to the stage.
By Karina Thyra2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Rebel" by Albert Camus
Albert Camus is one of those strange writers where I think I do like what he writes, but at times he can feel like more of a celebrity than a writer. He seems like he has good ideas and then ruins them with this near-narcissism which underpins his works. If I can feel it then I pretty sure there are a few other people who can feel it too. Sometimes, his voice can feel like he is the speaker of the people and is speaking on behalf of others. Sometimes, his writing resonates with the struggle of the common man. He treads the fine line between, at times he falls on one side and then, on the other. Let's have a look at some of the ideas he explores in the text.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "American Supernatural Tales" ed. by S.T Joshi
Now I know what you're thinking, you know I've read this one before because honestly, how would someone like me miss out on the book of American Supernatural Tales. You are right, I have read it before but, in the spirit of coming back (pun intended), I think it's a good idea to give this one its proper send off. It is a highly under-appreciated anthology. Edited by S.T Joshi, it is published by Penguin and may be that perfect read to finally get you and yours into the oncoming Halloween spirit. I hope that if you have not yet checked out this brilliant anthology that you do so as the season evolves into the cosy winter nights when curling up with a ghost story or two is one of life's greatest pleasures.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "One Way Street" by Walter Benjamin
It’s been a long time since I’ve heard the name Walter Benjamin and even then it was only briefly in a philosophy class some years ago. I honestly never read his stuff because I had read one essay before and found it too senseless and wordy. Once my philosophy lecturer had been through the essay I think I was pretty much all Benajmin-ed out. I had seen the book “One Way Street” many times though and I had always thought that now that I’m a little older and can tolerate more, I should definitely give it a go. And so, I gave it a go and now here we are.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Kaos
!!Warning: Spoilers Ahead!! Kaos is a new show from Netflix that premiered on August 29, 2024. The show centers around the retelling of Greek mythology through a modern lens. The cast is led by the god Jeff Goldblum playing the character of Zeus, the king of the gods and ruler of Mount Olympus.
By Atomic Historian2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "The Book Makers" by Adam Smyth
I have been waiting a long time to read this book. As we speak, I am typing this up on my iPad shortly after moving cities. So far, so good - thanks for asking. Anyways, I first heard about this book whilst in Waterstones and there was some sort of display featuring books about books and this was on it. After this, I couldn’t get the book out of my head, I kept seeing it everywhere and though I didn’t really have the funds to be getting it, I got it anyway. Going through this book has helped me learn about bookmaking and it’s almost 600 year history. But of course, that doesn’t mean everything was all sunshine and rainbows.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "Street Haunting and Other Essays" by Virginia Woolf
Do you remember that time when I said I thought I'd read everything by Virginia Woolf? Yeah, I was wrong. The book Street Haunting and Other Essays is published by the Vintage Classics collection and compiles some of Virginia Woolf's most satisfying short fiction. The book is set up in different sections, starting with Virginia Woolf's scathing book reviews in which she discusses 'bad books'. The next section deals with the British Empire and then we have Class, Lives of the Obscure, Education and Places. Each of these sections compels the reader to read deeper and deeper into Woolf's brilliant nonfiction, her voice and her ability to add realism into her tone.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
The first version of On the Road was written by Jack Kerouac in April 1951. This version, often referred to as the "Original Scroll," was typed on a continuous roll of paper (a single 120-foot-long sheet of tracing paper taped together) over a three-week period. This version was more raw and unedited compared to the later published editions that would make their way to becoming the novel version(s).
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Book Review: "A Trace of Sun" by Pam Williams
Emotionally destructive books have always been a draw to me. In fact, it was only recently that I was reading a book called Go as a River and that was destructive enough. When it comes to dealing with touchy issues that are more than often difficult to discuss because of how sensitive they are, literature is probably the best way to do it. But, even though they may be difficult to talk about, literature opens the door because of how universal these issues actually are. They seem a lot more common and so, they not only bring people together who have experienced them, but they also teach those who have not directly experienced them a form of empathy by proxy. When it comes to A Trace of Sun, I feel like I kind of got halfway there with that latter lesson.
By Annie Kapur2 years ago in Geeks
Evolution of English: English words that have been replaced over the years
The Evolution of the English Language: Words Replaced Over Centuries Language is constantly evolving, reflecting the shifting dynamics of culture, technology, and social interaction. The English language, with its rich history, has undergone substantial changes, particularly in its vocabulary. Over the centuries, countless words have been replaced by newer expressions, some fading into obscurity, while others evolve with time. This transformation reveals not just the adaptability of the language but also how societal changes shape the way we communicate. Let’s explore some of the fascinating words that have been replaced over the centuries and how their modern equivalents came to be.
By Ishaya2 years ago in Geeks